This was published 7 years ago
Traveller letters: My wife was groped by security guards
Women be warned while travelling in Iran.Credit: iStock
LETTER OF THE WEEK
Women be warned. Travelling in Iran recently we passed through security checks where men were processed by men and women by women. I was treated politely but my respectfully dressed wife was jostled and shouted at.
Her breasts and genital area were groped and her handbag was rifled through. She emerged feeling stunned and violated. This happened not once, but twice: entering the Shrine of Shah Cheraq in Shiraz and departing Shiraz International Airport. It was clear female staff were targeting western women.
These events stood in contrast to our experience of the Iranian people who were warm, cultured and hospitable.
Joseph Dunn, East Ryde, NSW
CRUSING FOR A BRUISING
We have just booked a cruise and were charged an "international transaction fee for payment by credit card". We were dealing with the Australian office of the cruise line but the transaction was processed in London, unbeknown to us.
We became aware when the charge hit our credit card statement. The company has undertaken to refund the amount ($587) after we complained. Lesson learnt – ask specifically if it is being processed locally and check your transactions.
Glenn and Julianne Dewberry, Narellan Vale, NSW
SHORT AND SWEET
There is nothing wrong with wearing shorts at certain places (Rants & Raves, September 24) when travelling, but Australians haven't worked out the rules of when it is not appropriate. One outfit does not suffice for all occasions, business airport lounges being one of them.
Julie Griffiths, Frenchs Forest, NSW
HOT STUFF
Inspired by a Traveller article in earlier this year, we have just returned from a long weekend in New Zealand. The prime purpose of the trip was to experience the incredible White Island by helicopter which lived up to all our expectations and more.
A bubbling hotbed of geothermic activity it felt like we had landed on an extra-terrestrial atoll. Back on the mainland there are wonderful coastal hikes to be done between Whakatane and Ohope Beach with superb views and birdlife, even a kiwi at night if you are lucky.
Go now before it blows.
Jenni Davidson, Balmain, NSW
ALL THE RAGE
In relation to Joseph Ting's letter (Traveller Letters, October 8) about air rage, I suggest airline staff on all flights simply announce over the PA that the reclining of seats, in economy class is not allowed during the serving of meals.
This directive would need to be policed by cabin crew. An explanation, at the time, of the reasoning would be beneficial. I believe a majority of passengers would support this initiative.
Max Wilson, Terrigal, NSW
HEARING CHECK
I read with interest there seems to be a general consensus from passengers entering Australia via Melbourne Airport that the attitude and customer service of some of our customs and immigration staff could be improved, but is anyone within the applicable department who could possibly initiate an improved outcome listening?
Peter Corfield, Beaumaris, VIC
BORDERING ON CONTEMPT
I have to disagree with Peter Reynolds (Traveller Letters, October 8). In the past two years we have travelled to Japan and this week just arrived back from Hawaii and both times had issues with customs and immigration officers. Coming back from Japan, my wife was yelled at by officers because she had the temerity to be waiting for me to go through.
This time it was because my daughter's image was not being recognised by facial recognition. My wife went to assist her and was told to stand back. It resulted in me going through quickly and them taking 15 minutes.
We are not bogans and we are polite to the officers. If this is how they treat their own, imagine how they treat overseas visitors? We were treated much better by officers in Tokyo and Honolulu.
Robert James, Carlingford, NSW
WET, WET, WET
We recently flew on Jetstar to Sunshine Coast from Melbourne during an extreme downpour. There was no real cover from the car park to Terminal 4 so we arrived there already wet.
After a lengthy walk to the Jetstar gate we discovered there was no airbridge, no portable covered walkway and no offer of umbrellas. Needless to say all of the passengers, including us, were soaked.
This is Australia's newest terminal and it is a disgrace. While it handles low-cost carriers, this does not mean it needs to treat passengers with contempt. I have been in some very poor countries where their airports were of a better standard. As for the "no moving walkways", well that is another story.
Russell Brewer, Brighton, VIC
FUNDS AND GAMES
On a six-week trip to the US and Canada we found we were short some considerable amounts on our credit card. We found quite a few hotels had locked down anywhere from $19 to $50.
It has taken us just over five weeks for these amounts to be refunded to our accounts. When queried, the hotels were told it was our banking institution that had not deposited the money back in our account.
Our advice is to pay hotels the cash in advance for the incidentals and then retrieve the same on checking out of your hotel.
Bruce and Patricia Marshall, Twin Waters, QLD
POINTED COMPLAINT
How can Qantas have the audacity to charge extra for each passenger when using points to fly from Los Angeles to Sydney? Both American Airlines and Qantas charge 45,000 points and the flights operate within 20 minutes of each other. American Airlines charges $US28.15 and Qantas $US385.
I am not surprised Qantas has turned a profit with this blatant price-gouging. It shows how one must compare all the possibilities when travelling. It takes time but is frequently well worth the trouble when you can save over $900 for two people.
Lindsay Somerville, Lindfield, NSW
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